A movie that Roger Ebert calls a “serious film
about mental illness and a sentimental heart warmer” will be shown
free of charge Saturday at Memorial Medical Center. Canvas — a 2006 film
starring Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden and Emmy Award winner Joe
Pantoliano – depicts a 10-year-old boy’s experiences dealing
with his mother’s schizophrenia. The story was inspired by
writer/director Joe Greco’s childhood.
The screening is the centerpiece of Mental Illness
Awareness Week sponsored by the local chapter of the National Alliance on
Mental Illness. NAMI gave this movie its Outstanding Media Award.
Other events planned for the week include a Day of
Prayer for mental illness recovery and understanding, and a breakfast
featuring Connie Clark, of Illinois Mental Health Collaborative for Access
and Choice, speaking about transcending the effects of trauma and serious
mental illness.
NAMI’s work continues year-round, with three
monthly support groups – two for adults living with mental illness,
and one for parents or caregivers of mentally ill children. In February,
NAMI will offer a free 12-week course for families coping with mental
illness.
Canvas will be shown
Sun., Oct. 5, at 3 p.m. at Memorial’s Wedeberg Conference Center, 701
N. 1st St. NAMI recommends calling ahead to register, at 788-3333. First
Christian Church hosts NAMI’s prayer service Tue., Oct 7, at 6:30
p.m. at 700 S. 6th St. NAMI’s annual breakfast is Fri., Oct. 10 at
7:30 a.m., at Northfield Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr.
Registration is $10. Call 891-5570 for more information.
This article appears in Oct 2-8, 2008.
